ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Terming the North South Gas Pipeline Project as an important milestone in their bilateral ties, Pakistan and Russia have demonstrated seriousness in executing the much-delayed project, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
In this regard, a Russian delegation headed by Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Anatoli Tichinov held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Energy Omar Ayub Khan and the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Petroleum Nadeem Babar in Islamabad on Tuesday.
While welcoming Anatoli Tichinov to Pakistan, Omar Ayub stressed on the need to make the North South Gas Pipeline Project transparent, financially viable and to the mutual benefit of both Pakistan and Russia. He termed the project as a flagship project of cooperation between both the Countries particularly in the commercial and energy sphere.
Nadeem Babar gave an overview of Pakistan’s energy situation highlighting the infrastructure projects the current government plans to undertake to ensure supply/security of oil-gas in the Country. He termed the North South Gas Pipeline as a stepping stone towards greater cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the energy sector.
The Special Assistant emphasized transparency, financially viability of the North South Gas Pipeline Project and shared Prime Minister Imran Khan’s desire to see the project’s successful execution.
Nadeem Babar also welcomed the Russian interest in the energy and power sector of Pakistan including the government’s planned auction of 18 blocks this month.
The Russian deputy energy minister thanked the Pakistani side for the gracious welcome given to him and his delegation.
Anatoli Tichinov too termed the North South Gas Pipeline Project as an important milestone in bilateral relations between both the Countries, and Russia’s desire to expand relations with Pakistan in all fields including energy.
The Russian deputy minister agreed that the project must be financially viable and to the benefit of both Countries.
The minister hoped that such cooperation between Pakistan and Russia shall continue in the coming time.
